Zro's Pre-Season NFL Final Standings and Super Bowls Picks

Without saying too much, I just want to brag that I have picked the Super Bowl winner four of the last six years, all picks came before the season!

I will highlight my playoff teams.

AFC

AFC East

1. New England (11-5)

2. Miami (7-9)

3. Buffalo (4-12)

4. New York Jets (2-14)

AFC West

1. Denver (13-3)

2. Kansas City (10-6)

3. San Diego (5-11)

4. Oakland (1-15)

AFC North

1. Cincinnati (10-6) 

2. Pittsburgh (8-8) 

3. Baltimore (8-8)

4. Cleveland (6-10)

AFC South

1. Houston (10-6)

2. Indianapolis (9-7)

3. Tennessee (6-10) 

4. Jacksonville (5-11)

NFC

NFC East

1. Dallas (11-5)

2. Washington (10-6)

3. New York Giants (8-8)

4. Philadelphia (4-12)

NFC West

1. Seattle (12-4)

2. San Francisco (11-5)

3. Arizona (8-8)

4. St. Louis (7-9)

NFC North

1. Green Bay (11-5)

2. Detroit (10-6)

3. Chicago (8-8)

4. Minnesota (6-10)

NFC South

1. Atlanta (13-3)

2. Tampa Bay (8-8)

3. New Orleans (7-9)

4. Carolina (6-10)

Super Bowl

Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons 

Your 2013-2014 Super Bowl Champion

DENVER BRONCOS

My Fantasy Drafts

Fantasy Football is back! But more importantly FANTASY FOOTBALL IS BACK!! (What? I'm a Lions fan, this IS my regular season.) Needless to say, many of us are going to be wasting tons of time tinkering with our squads, watching teams we could care less about, and pulling our hair out when we play the wrong guy. However, I think most can agree we all love to draft! So with that said, I would like to share the drafted rosters of my two teams.

Team "Drunken Jones" is a 12-man, half-point PPR league.  (Pick 7)

Team "Executioner Jones" is a 10-man standard league. (Pick 8)

Team Drunken Jones

Team Executioner Jones

Let me know how your drafts went, and what you think of mine!

Detroit Lions Draft Grades 2013

"Big" Larry Warford gets my top pick.

5. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: B

I give this pick a solid B. Could it be an A+? Yes. Could it be an F? Sure. Lets just face facts here, Ansah is a freak athletically. However, he hasn't played football too long, and is still raw. Everyone considers him the second coming of JPP and if that's true, he could be a steal even at pick five. Overall, I like the pick.

36. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State: B-

Can't complain here. Slay was the fastest DB at the combine, along with great size he should have a good chance at gaining the starting job outside of Chris Houston.

65. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky: A+

My favorite pick of the draft. Warford fills a huge need and has a great chance at becoming the starting right guard come week one. He's the perfect fit for a team in serious need of a strong run game.

132. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina: C

I'm okay with the selection. Should add a nice piece of depth at the DE position that was depleted this off-season.

165. Sam Martin, P, Appalachian State: D

Meh, a punter. Nothing to see here.

171. Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech: B

A little surprised the Lions waited so long to pick a wideout. Fuller's skills fit just what the Lions were looking for. The big question is he can transition his game to the pro level.

199. Theo Riddick, RB, Notre Dame: C

Riddick is a guy who can run, catch, and return the football. Somewhat of a jack of all trades, he will have a hard time making the team.

211. Michael Williams, TE, Alabama: A

Love the pick. Will Williams be anything special? Probably not but he will be a great blocking tight end. Most believe he will take over and fill the H-back role one held by Will Heller.

245. Brandon Perburn, ILB, Florida A&M: C

Worth a shot. The Lions needed help at the linebacker position. Like many late picks, the chances he makes the team may be slim.

Overall Draft Grade: B

Projected Detroit Tigers Line-Up and Rotation

Can April first hurry up already? For many Tigers fans, me included, we just can't wait till opening day. After just misses in 2006 and 2012 we're all in high hopes to finally bring home the championship for the first time since 1984. I'm going to predict the Tigers line-up and rotation, which really isn't that difficult, however, I'm going to give you guys my projected stats for each player! So without further adieu..

The line-up

More long balls for Prince?

1. CF Austin Jackson 14 HR/ 63 RBI/ 20 SB/ .281 AVG

2. RF Torii Hunter 13 HR/ 72 RBI/ 7 SB/ .275 AVG

3. 3B Miguel Cabrera 37 HR/ 130 RBI/ 2 SB/ .329 AVG

4. 1B Prince Fielder 40 HR/ 119 RBI/ 0 SB/ .296 AVG

5. DH Victor Martinez 12 HR/ 81 RBI/ 1 SB/ .307 AVG

6. LF Andy Dirks 10 HR/ 51 RBI/ 8 SB/ .267 AVG

7. SS Jhonny Peralta 14 HR/ 62 RBI/ 1 SB/ .260 AVG

8. C Alex Avila 18 HR/ 72 RBI/ 3 SB/ .259 AVG

9. 2B Omar Infante 13 HR/ 69 RBI/ 12 SB/ .284 AVG

The Rotation

Can JV add another Cy Young in 2013?

1. Justin Verlander 22 Wins 5 Losses 2.45 ERA 1.03 WHIP 244 K

2. Doug Fister 15 Wins 9 Losses 3.35 ERA 1.25 WHIP 142 K

3. Max Scherzer 16 Wins 10 Losses 3.75 ERA 1.29 WHIP 217 K

4. Anibal Sanchez 14 Wins 8 Losses 3.91 ERA 1. 29 WHIP 149 K

5. Rick Porcello 10 Wins 11 Losses 4.54 ERA 1.51 WHIP 104 K

Closer Bruce Rondon 27 Saves 3.67 ERA 1.47 WHIP 57 K

Playing in the weakest division in baseball, and having one of the more stacked teams, I see the Tigers finishing 99-63 in 2013, easily winning the AL central crown.

LeBron James And The Miami Heat Do The Harlem Shake

Just when you thought it was over...

Honestly though, I think this is one of the best Harlem Shake videos, love the Bird-Man intro. Nice work, Miami. 

MLB Predictions: Final Standings NL Edition

Do I spy a Championship for these guys?

To check out the AL edition, click here or just go back to the home page.

National League

East

1. Washington Nationals. This one was tough, both Washington and Atlanta have made significant moves to bulk up their team. But, and I want to put this on public record now, three years ago I made the bold prediction that Washington would win the 2013 World Series. So we're sticking with that!

2. Atlanta Braves. It's going to be fun watching this neck and neck race in the NL East this upcoming season. I expect the Braves to continue being a strong team on both sides of the ball. After bringing in the Upton brothers, the Braves may have the most talented outfield in baseball.

3. Philadelphia Phillies. What can you say about the Phillies? Injuries and age is catching up with them. However, they're still an above average team with a great rotation. In the end I can't see it being enough.

4. New York Mets. After trading ace RA Dickey, the Mets are just blah.

5. Miami Marlins. The AAA team of the NL. Hey, at least they have a new stadium and Giancarlo Stanton ... For now.

Central

1. Cincinnati Reds. The Reds look great coming into 2013, the addition of Shin Soo Choo and retaining the services of Jonathan Broxton make the Reds a top five team in the game. They're the only team in baseball I can see getting 100 wins this season.

2. St. Louis Cardinals. I don't really like this pick, but who else in this division is going to step up?

3. Chicago Cubs. I'm being serious here.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates. Somewhat of a surprising pick, but the Pirates are in fact the Pirates. After a strong start last season they fizzled out in the worst way. I don't see that hot 2012 start coming back their way.

5. Milwaukee Brewers. Sorry guys, but now that Houston is in the AL, someone has to be last place. I'm concerned that super star Ryan Braun gets suspended. If not, I'll move the Brew-Crew back up the charts.

West

1. San Francisco Giants. The defending World-Series Champions should have no problem making it back to the post-season.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers. This team is STACKED!...With over-paid players. Regardless, they still finish second again. I will also give them the playoffs.

3. Colorado Rockies. The line-up can hit, no one doubts that. But if the pitching can find a way to be a hair above average the Rockies could have a nice season.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks. This is really a toss up. But after losing Upton, I'm not sure how the team will respond. Obviously Martin Prado will make a quick impact, and they still have a nice looking outfield even without Upton but what worries me is literally everyone else. Can they go from average to above average? My answer is, that depends on the rotation.

5. San Diego Padres. Not even Chase Headley can save you.

Sorry, Chicago.

MLB Predictions: Final Standings AL Edition

Baseball is back! Will these guys be even better in 2013?

Here in Michigan we're expecting another nasty snow storm, but down south baseball is heating up! With Spring training finally here, and teams starting to play a little ball again, you can almost smell the flowers blooming. The boys of summer are back, and here's how I believe the season will go. Highlighted teams are who I believe will make the playoffs.

American League

East

1. New York Yankees. While the team has got older, and injuries have slowed them down, no one can deny the power of their line-up. Pitching is always a concern, but the Yankees still win this division filled with talent.

2. Toronto Blue Jays. Adding guys like Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson will without a doubt give the Jays just what they needed. While R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle are nice additions, I'm not really putting much stock in either of them. The Jays improve to 90 wins this season.

3. Boston Red Sox. Surprise, surprise. The Sox were hindered by injuries last season, and come back this season with maybe the best relief pitching in baseball. Their line-up can still match-up with any team, and starting pitching is right about average. The Sox improve this season.

4. Tampa Bay Rays. Most people have the Rays are a top two team in the East, I have them falling a little this season.

5. Baltimore Orioles. The Cinderella 93 win team last season gets a dose of reality in this stacked division. Too many teams with more talent, and the O's fall back into last place.

Central

1. Detroit Tigers. By far the most talented team in the division and should have no problem working their way to a 90+ win season. Put it this way, the Tigers were a World Series team last year without Victor Martinez. He's back, and Tori Hunter is now a Tiger, giving Detroit arguably the best line-up in baseball. Not to mention they have some guy named Justin Verlander.

2. Cleveland Indians. No one can say they haven't got any better. With tons of move this off-season (for once) to bulk up their team, the Indians who already have great relief pitching will be a problem for a lot of teams. I think they finish with just under 80 wins this season.

3. Kansas City Royals. Finally have some starting pitching for the first time in a long time. And remember all those young prospects in KC? Well they grew up. All have over a season of MLB experience and should without a doubt make the Royals and pain in a lot of teams butt.

4. Chicago White Sox. A little hard to believe, after finishing second in the division last season with 85 wins, I expect the Sox to fall all the way to fourth this year. I mean, look at who they've added to their team ... Still looking?

5. Minnesota Twins. They'd make a pretty good AAA team.

West

1. Los Angeles Angels. Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Mark Trumbo. Enough said. The Angels will have tons of fire power!

2. Oakland Athletics. With one of the premiere pitching staffs in all of baseball, and young super stars Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick with the bat, the A's are not going anywhere.

3. Texas Rangers. Still a very good team, but after loosing Hamilton I believe the Rangers get pushed down the AL West ranks by Hamilton's new crew.

4. Seattle Mariners. I love what they're doing in the great North-West! They're a team with a ton of talented young guys, and a pretty good group of vets. Seattle is on the rise, but still a year away from any real playoff contention.

5. Houston Astros. Not only are the Astros bad, they're really bad. And to make matters worse, they move to one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball.

Happy Baseball Season!

Come back and check out the NL edition this Thursday!

This Week In Random

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton's mug shot after a DUI

Will Farrell's Super Bowl Commercial

Kate Upton is the SI cover model for the second year in a row

Check out this little guys trick shot video!

Phil Mickelson can't keep his footing

Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek's mask

Alabama's new 9 million dollar weight room

Joe Flacco's new 2014 Corvette Stingray after being named the MVP of Super Bowl XLVII.

This Week in Random

Dennis Rodman comes out with his own children's book.

DMX is proud.

J.J. Watt is such a nice guy (See video below)

Richard Sherman interviews fans on who the best shut down corner is.

Second graders correct NFL players grammar.

A Bad Lip Reading: NFL Edition

Jordin Tootoo knocks a guys head off.

Follow me on Twitter @zrojones

NFL Playoffs: The Super Bowl

The "Harbowl"

It's finally here, or should I say just here? Sadly, the NFL only has one game left on the clock, but it looks to be one hell of a match-up.

If you've been following this blog a little bit, you would know I've been a bit of a good luck charm to the Baltimore Ravens. To fill you in, I predicted them to win the Super Bowl before the season started, and have ragged on them ever since. I kept thinking they were too inconsistent, and Joe Flacco wasn't good enough to take the Ravens to the big game. When the playoffs rolled around, I picked them to beat the Colts, but then again, ragged on them to get spanked by Denver, and lose to New England. And oddly enough, they've been the AFC team I've been rooting for all along. It's kind of like my Lions, I want them to win, but deep down you know they're just not.

Luckily for Baltimore, I was wrong, way wrong and I'm loving it.

On the other hand we have San Francisco,  by far my least favorite team in the NFL as a fan. From Jim Harbaugh to Anthony Davis (Can't stand that guy) to the fact that they're just San Francisco. I've never been a fan, but I never doubted their talent. Colin Kaep and the gang have literally everything going for them. Quarterback play? Check. Run game? Check. O-Line? Check. D-Line? Check. Secondary? Check. Kicker? Mehh. But you get the point, they're very talented across the board. 

When Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, and the hype from this "Harbowl", Alex Smith being benched, and Ray Lewis stuff is over with, America's eyes will be glued to the TV, for what I believe will be a great game. With all that said, here is my Super Bowl 47 pick.

Super Bowl Sunday (Sunday February 3, 6:30PM CBS)

San Francisco 49ers - 24

Baltimore Ravens - 27

Who do YOU think will hoist the Lombardi Trophy?

NHL Predictions: Final Standings

As the puck is FINALLY about to drop, I decided I want to take a shot at predicting the final regular season standings. Chances are I'm going to be way off, but here we go. Teams that are highlighted are the teams I believe will make the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

1. New York Rangers
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Philadelphia Flyers 
4. New York Islanders
5. New Jersey Devils

Northeast

1. Boston Bruins
2. Toronto Maple Leafs
3. Ottawa Senators
4. Buffalo Sabers
5. Montreal Canadians

Southeast

1. Tampa Bay Lightening 
2. Washington Capitals
3. Florida Panthers
4. Winnipeg Jets
5. Carolina Hurricanes

Western Conference

Central

1. St. Louis Blues
2. Detroit Red Wings
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Nashville Preditors
5. Columbus Blue Jackets

Northwest

1. Vancouver Canucks 
2. Minnesota Wild
3. Colorado Avalance
4. Calgary Flames
5. Edmonton Oilers

Pacific

1. Los Angeles Kings
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Phoenix Coyotes
4. Anaheim Ducks
5. Dallas Stars

Us hockey fans have been waiting too long, here's to one hell of a season!

NFL Playoffs: Championship Week Predictions

WOAH! Where did all that scoring come from? If you scored four touchdowns, you lost. After the divisional round I'm now 4-4 (1-3 last week). Crazy to think I would be 6-2 if the games ended 30 seconds earlier, but hey, that's playoff football, you never know what's going to happen any given Sunday. I'm looking for a little redemption this week, so lets get the party started.

NFC Championship Game: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons (Sun. 3PM Fox)

Very interested in seeing how the Falcons defense can handle the dynamic Colin Kaepernick. After having two poor showings against Cam Newton, I don't anyone in Atlanta is feeling too confident this week. Kaeprnick exposes Atlanta's biggest weakness, stopping the running quarterback who can throw. I don't see a blow out, but I don't see the final score being very close. 49ers win 35-24.

AFC Championship Game: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (Sun 6:30PM CBS)

This game is a tough one for me. I don't like to bet against Tom Brady, and with Baltimore playing so well, I don't want to pick against them either. The Ravens are on one hell of a ride, Ray Lewis has inspired them to the point where Joe Flacco actually looks like a super-star! On the other hand, the 'Pats are looking unstoppable, and Brady is money in the playoffs, not to mention he's playing with a chip on his shoulder right now. I see this game being VERY close, New England wins 24-27.

*Side Note: I feel like I'm good luck for Baltimore, I keep betting against them after picking them to win it all at the start of the year, and they keep making me look bad. Even though I'm picking them to lose, I'm pulling for them to win.

For the Ladies.

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Picks

So last week I didn't make a post, mostly because I'm just starting to take advantage of this page. However, I went 3-1 with my only loss coming from Cincinnati. This week, we are shooting for 4-0!

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos (Sat. 4:30PM CBS)

Peyton Manning and the well balanced Broncos prove too much for the inconsistent Ravens, as the roll to the AFC Championship. Denver wins 31-17

*Side note: At the start of the year I picked Baltimore to win the Super Bowl. While I'd love to look good, I just can't see it happening. 

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (Sat. 8PM Fox)

At times, the 49ers look unstoppable, others, awful! The way I see it, that wont flow in the playoffs. Green Bay has experience on their side, and a team that for the most part, is finally healthy. After a strong Wild Card win, Green Bay pulls out a win in Candle Stick led by Aaron Rodgers. Packers win 24-21

Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons (Sun. 1PM Fox)

Seattle is hot, and we all have to question Matt Ryan in the playoffs, his task does not get any easier this year going up against one of the NFL's top defenses. I believe neither quarterback has a great day, but in the end, Russell Wilson does just enough for the Hawks' to pull out a tight victory. Seattle wins 17-14

Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Sun 4:30 CBS)

Look no further than week 14. The Pats beat down the Texans by a whooping 42-14. I think Houston comes out much stronger this weekend, but end the end, Tom Brady leads the Pats to another AFC Championship game. New England wins 34-24

Richard Sherman Mic'd Up (Includes Trent Williams Punch)

Trent Williams is a punk, end of story. Sherman handled it nicely, but maybe the "vet" Williams should take a note from his ROOKIE quarterback on some class.

Also, Go Hawks! Pulling for them to win it all! 

#12thMan

Zro's NFL Regular Season Awards 2012-13

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Nominees: 
Casey Haward, CB, Green Bay Packers
Janoris Jenkins, CB, St. Louis Rams
Luke Kuechly, LB Carolina Panthers

Winner:
The winner has got to be Luke Kuechly. The man lead the NFL in tackles with 164 total, along with two interceptions, one sack, and eight pass deflections. As a rookie, that's insane. Even though my other two guys had great seasons in the secondary, Kuechly was asked to captain a defense, and did so seemingly with ease.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Nominees:
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins
Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

Luck was thrilled to find out he was my offensive rookie of the year!

Winner:
To me the winner is Andrew Luck. Sure you can look at the efficiency of the other two QB's, and all the production Morris gave Washington on the ground, but at the end of the day, a quarterback wins this award. And I give it to Luck for one major reason. He was asked to do so much more than Wilson, or RG3. He threw the ball far more than either of them, and was asked to basically go out there, and be Peyton Manning. Yes, he turned the ball over, but he took a two win team to a 11 win playoff team. And how many times did he bring the Colts back in the fourth quarter this year? Andrew Luck is my clear cut winner.

Comeback Player of the Year

Nominees:

Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Winner:

This one is so close, either one is a great pick, but I'm going to go with Peyton Manning for only, and I mean ONLY one reason, dude broke his neck, then came back to have one of the best seasons of his career. I don't want to leave Peterson out, because he had a phenomenal season, but neck beats knee in my book.

Coach of the Year

Nominees:

Bruce Arians, Indianapolis Colts

Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings

Mike Shannahan, Washington Redskins

Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

Winner:

Bruce Arians. With everything from Chuck Pagano becoming ill, to taking over a two win team, starting with a rookie quarterback, having no run game or secondary, AND weak offensive line the job Arians has done is hardly believable. Arians has lead the charge in Indianapolis, while taking them to a 11 win season and a playoff berth. Such a great story, and an outstanding job. 

Offensive Player of the Year

Nominees:

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

Winner:

Call me bias, but I'm taking Calvin Johnson. As my buddy at Idiot Sports Talk will tell you, "Megatron" had to deal with the Madden Curse, laugh all you want! On a more serious note, the man broke Jerry Rice's yards record in only 15 game, and came just shy of 2,000 receiving yards. While he lacked in touchdowns, with only five, he was usually the main reason Detroit was in the Red Zone. Call me crazy but I'd like to think it would be kind of hard to score when you have two corners and a safety over top all on you on the goal-line. Had Calvin scored a couple times more, and the Lions had made the playoffs, people would be considering Johnson an MVP candidate. So with that, Megatron is my OPOY.

Defensive Player of the Year

Nominees:

Geno Atkins, DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Charles Tillman, DB, Chicago Bears

Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

J.J. Watt, DL, Houston Texans

Aldon Smith, OLB, San Francisco 49ers

Winner:

While all great choices, I think one person stands alone. And that man is J.J. Watt. He led the NFL in sacks, racked up 70 tackles, and this is what impresses me the most, 16 pass deflections! That's unheard of from a defensive line-man! And while I think he wins this award with ease, I think Watt may even get some MVP votes as well. Incredable season, easy winner.

MVP

Manning after hearing I named him my MVP

Nominees:

Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Winner:

To me, this is a quarterbacks award, and I know people will kill me for this, but for a running-back to win, they'd have to have an unbelieveable season, and while AP had a great year, nearly record breaking, it just wasn't enough for me. In a close call, I'm going to take Peyton Manning. I in-fact believe this to be so close, I might flip flop a little, but for now, it's still Manning.